Approval Clears Path For Customs Facility at Gary Airport
(Image courtesy of Gary/Chicago International Airport)
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As a subscriber you can listen to articles at work, in the car, or while you work out. Subscribe NowThe Gary/Chicago International Airport has cleared its final regulatory hurdle for a new, on-site General Aviation Customs and Border Patrol facility. Officials have launched the request for proposals process for bidding, inspection and construction management of the project, which could be complete early next year.
Currently, incoming international flights have to land at another airport to clear U.S. Customs procedures before continuing to GCIA. The new facility, airport officials say, could help tenants better take advantage of general aviation and cargo opportunities.
Gary/Chicago International Airport Authority Chairman Stephen Mays says "the construction of a new, permanent General Aviation customs facility is the next step in growing GCIA and realizing our full potential. I am thrilled we will soon be able to offer this service to the general aviation community and increase the universe of potential airport users who will be able to fly into the airport from any destination in the world without having to stop somewhere else to first clear customs."
NGC Corp. was selected earlier this year to be the architect of record this year for the customs facility. The company submitted plans and specifications that have been approved by the U.S. Department of Homeland Security. NGC Corp. was part of the $174 million project to expand GCIA’s main runway, which was completed in 2015. One year ago, crews wrapped-up $2.4 million in crosswind runway rehabilitation work.
The new project, Executive Director Dan Vicari says will help the airport continue to be "an enormous resource to the region." He adds "the construction of a new customs facility will improve the airport’s ability to compete and attract new fliers while enhancing our marketability to the corporate, cargo and general aviation flying communities."
Final RFP responses are due by September 1.